WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS W.Va. (WVDN) – A Virginia Beach man was arrested Sunday after causing a disturbance in the middle of Main Street and allegedly assaulting a police officer according to law enforcement officials.
An officer of the White Sulphur Springs Police Department responded to the incident around 4:40 p.m. after a passerby reported a suspicious man walking in the street. Upon arrival, Morris observed the man, later identified as Felipe Martinez Jr., walking in and out of traffic. He was waving his hands and shouting.
When the officer stopped his patrol vehicle, Martinez allegedly attempted to open the passenger-side door. After exiting his vehicle, the officer approached Martinez who began yelling statements such as “Kill me” and “Shoot me,” according to the complaint. The officer reported that Martinez had the odor of alcohol on his breath and refused to provide identification or comply with police instructions.
As Morris attempted to detain him, Martinez reportedly became combative, resisting efforts to be seated and pulling away. During the struggle, he fell and hit his mouth on the pavement. Greenbrier County 911 was notified and EMS was dispatched to the scene.
Additional assistance arrived and officers found identification in Martinez’s pocket and confirmed his identity. Despite efforts to calm him, Martinez remained uncooperative. Officers placed him in a police cruiser for transport, during which he allegedly kicked the vehicle’s interior and “banged” his head against the cage. When EMS arrived, he reportedly refused medical attention and continued to be belligerent.
Martinez was formally arrested and charged with public intoxication, obstructing an officer and two counts of battery on a police officer. While being transported to the White Sulphur Springs Police Department, he reportedly kicked the transporting officer twice. The magistrate ordered Martinez to be taken directly to Southern Regional Jail due to his condition.
During the transport to the jail, Martinez continued to kick the cruiser’s cage and strike his head against parts of the vehicle, according to the report. He was remanded into custody at Southern Regional Jail pending an arraignment in Greenbrier County Magistrate Court.
Court records indicate that Martinez has no prior arrests in Greenbrier County. It remains unclear whether he currently has a legal representative. His arraignment date has yet to be scheduled and officials say additional charges could be considered depending on outcomes of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say this incident underscores the dangers officers face when dealing with unpredictable individuals, especially those under the influence of alcohol or other substances. The White Sulphur Springs Police Department reiterated the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement to ensure the safety of both officers and civilians.
Martinez’s bail has been set at $5,000.
